Lipitor, a brand name for atorvastatin, is a commonly prescribed medication for high cholesterol. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States, with over 100 million prescriptions written between 2001 and 2016.

One of the potential side effects of Lipitor is memory loss. According to the Mayo Clinic [2], statins, including Lipitor, have been associated with memory loss or confusion, although the incidence is rare. The Mayo Clinic advises that if a person experiences memory loss or confusion while taking Lipitor, they should contact their doctor immediately.

New research has shed some light on the link between statins and memory loss. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people who took statins had a higher risk of developing memory loss than those who did not take statins [3]. However, the study also found that the risk was small and that the benefits of taking statins outweighed the risk of memory loss.

In conclusion, while memory loss is a potential side effect of Lipitor, it is rare. If a person experiences memory loss or confusion while taking Lipitor, they should contact their doctor immediately. The benefits of taking Lipitor for high cholesterol outweigh the small risk of memory loss.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013
[3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/cholesterol/new-findings-on-statin-memory-loss-link